Grandvalira – Skiing in the Pyrenees in Andorra: The plan was simple: just a few runs in Soldeu in the morning, a bite to eat at lunchtime, and then a leisurely return. In Grandvalira, a plan like that doesn’t always work out. Behind the next ridge, another slope begins, and the question “Shall we ski down there too?” is usually answered more quickly than you’d think. The ski resort is situated in the east of Andorra, right in the heart of the Pyrenees. Its 215 kilometres of slopes are spread across seven sectors. Figures that only become interesting once you’re out on the slopes. Between Canillo, Encamp, Soldeu, El Tarter, Grau Roig, Peretol and Pas de la Casa, the landscape changes: sometimes open slopes, sometimes runs between mountain flanks, then wide runs again with space for long turns. What makes Grandvalira special as a ski resort? Even the journey there can be part of the experience: from Encamp, the Funicamp cable car glides up into the ski resort. Down below are the village streets; a little later, the white slopes. Those who set off early have more time at the top for their first coffee and their first run. For beginners, the clearly laid-out practice areas and ski schools are a good place to start. Families can take things at a more leisurely pace without constantly having to return to the same slope. Those who are confident on their skis, on the other hand, will be keen to head for the more challenging runs. There are plenty of these around Grau Roig and Pas de la Casa. Snowboarders and freestylers have additional options for the day thanks to the snow parks. A tip for planning: don’t try to cover too many sectors in a single day. The connections are good, but moving between the different areas takes time. Sometimes it’s nicer to ski down a slope twice rather than just being on your way to the next gondola. There’s plenty going on after a day’s skiing too: in Soldeu and El Tarter, you can round off the day in style. Pas de la Casa is the place to be if you fancy a few bars and a bit of a buzz after your final run. In between, there are mountain huts and restaurants where you can extend your lunch break longer than planned. If you fancy doing something different in between, you can also explore Andorra’s winter landscape away from the ski slopes, for example on a snowshoe hike. Whether you come for a long weekend or stay for a whole week is almost beside the point. What matters far more is how you spend your days. A skiing holiday in Grandvalira offers plenty of opportunities for this – and often it’s the unplanned run that ends up staying in your memory.
